It was a celebration of life as the remains of the late Professor Anthony Agbata were laid to rest in his compound at Umuogbu village Awka, Awka South Local Government Area of the state.

 

The late Professor Agbata; who died at the age of eighty was a one-time President of Joint Council of Knights in Nigeria.

The final journey of the late Professor Agbata commenced with a burial service at the Cathedral Church of Saint Faith Awka, where the Cathedral choir thanked God for the exemplary life of the deceased through special renditions.

 

In a sermon, the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim, charged Christians to jettison things that distance them from God and live more of holy life so they will be prepared to make heaven when they die.

The Archbishop said that the late Professor Agbata was a faithful Christian who impacted on humanity through his medical practice, and urged his family to emulate his footsteps to keep his legacies alive.

 

In a vote of thanks, the first son of the deceased, Mr Uchenna Agbata, expressed gratitude to God for the life of his father; whom he described as a man of many parts and one who inspired them to greatness, and prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest.

In his tribute to the family of the deceased, the President, Council of Knights, Anglican Diocese of Awka, Sir Emma Ezenwaji, said the late Professor of pathology was a committed knight who laid a solid foundation for other members, and promised that they will follow his footsteps to preserve his legacies.

 

In their condolence message to the Agbata family, the Old Boys Association of Denis Memorial Grammar School, DMGS, Onitsha, through their President, Dr Eric Anazodo, said that the deceased was one of their finest products who was so proud of the foundation the school laid for his illustrious career, and enjoined his family to be consoled with the fact that the deceased played his part very well in the medical profession and touched many lives positively.

On her part, a relative of the deceased, Dr Oby Elechi, described him as a beacon of light for many and one who had no barrier for class and age, while his colleague, Professor Kingsley Nwaozo, added that the deceased was a great son of Awka community who contributed to the development of the town.

 

The burial ceremony climaxed with interment and performances by his family members, friends and relatives.